Highly Recommended, 2025
Picks from the ppl!
The end of the year brings around my favorite tradition which I’ve only done twice: the Highly Recommended Survey!
This year, I asked ~30 people (down from last year, recession indicator?): if you could only pick ONE thing you discovered this year to recommend to others, what would you pick?
The recommendation could be in any category - a book, travel destination, restaurant, product, movie, activity, idea. BUT you can only pick one thing.
Last year’s picks were amazing. I was inspired to try making fruit and crème sandwiches by Kevin T., tune into Caleb Hearon’s So True podcast by Katie O., and watch the Penguin by Juan R. All bangers!
This year’s picks seemed to swing philosophical. This was a year to be inspired by concepts, not objects. More self-care, less retail therapy. Less travel, more introspection (recession indicator?).
As for 2026? I’m far from qualified to provide a definitive list of IN’s and OUT’s, but I’m feeling:
Bearish on: coffeeshops, the All In podcast (please), vaping, long form written Linkedin posts (ironic), espresso martinis, Federal Reserve independence, sports betting being cool, America’s measles elimination status, cold plunging as a status symbol, Grand Theft Auto being released in 2026, people calling everything “agentic AI,” GenZ being viewed as a monoculture, extra protein in everything
Bullish on: the Glue Guys podcast, negronis, Casey’s General Stores, the Chicago Bears, Atrioc, Chris Fleming, budget hacks as a status symbol, Waymo, Olivia Dean, Miami, sending voice notes, prioritizing fiber, recession indicators
Below are the picks (edited a bit for clarity). Thanks everyone for participating (p.s. if you have a highly recommends to add to this, email me!!) Love you all and here is to a great near year ahead!
The Single Best Thing I Discovered in 2025:
Sänger Rubber Hot Water Bottle
Meagan W. strongly recommends this for the folks feeling a little chilly this winter. In her own words: “I’m obsessed with this hot water bottle. We are in love. I carry it everywhere like a stuffed animal. I would be frozen if it weren’t for her.”
aesthetic and functional!!!
Blozzom Pizza in Miami Beach
Karen J. makes a very strong claim that Blozzom is home to THE best pizza in all of Miami. Mushrooms, zucchini, potatoes, honey - whatever the topping, Blozzom delivers!
Amla Oil
Nakita P. (my sister :) ) says Amla Oil has been a game changer for her. It’s great for scalp health and eczema!
Lovable
Michael M. had a lot of fun vibe coding this year. Even though he didn’t build anything serious, he found it incredible that he could easily develop working front ends without actually knowing how to code. After messing around with a few different platforms (Cursor, V0, etc.) he declares Lovable to be the most user friendly as a non-technical person
Breville Coffee Machine
Juliette C. says she never buys coffee out now that she has a Breville at home. It takes a little practice but she swears, “once you get it, you get to make lattes better than the boujee NY coffee stores every morning.” As a recent purchaser of a Bambino Plus, I wholeheartedly sign off on this pick!!
Lurker
Cinephile Mike G. picks this as his film of the year follow up to last year’s pick of The Substance. From Highly Recommends resident Roger Ebert: “No moment is wasted in this directorial debut about para-social relationships and the diminishing barrier between fans and celebrities. It’ll make you squirm, drop your jaw to the floor, and make you wonder: what’s the difference between love and obsession?”
The true meaning of “get out of your own way”
Andrea M. channels a little Fleetwood Mac with her pick: “If you’ve ever been part of a large institution and told to “get out of your own way”, what they really mean is “we don’t have the resources, skills, or culture to support your ambition.” This is usually a good time to become your own boss and see what you can achieve without them in your way.”
Mowe Napa Valley
Joe S. says the seven mile run from Yountville to St. Helena is home to the best wine America has to offer. But he singles out this particular winery located about a mile or so from downtown St. Helena if you’re looking for great wine, incredible views and great food nearby (especially Bouchon and Charter Oak).
Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort
Cat G. says that skiing under the northern lights is a magical experience. “It’s bitterly cold but the magic outweighs the cold. Find the trails that are lit with strung Christmas lights!” Dreamy!
The New York Times Super Mega Crossword
Per Ellie B., “Every year, NYT releases a Super Mega Crossword in their December issue that takes up a whole spread. It’s got 700+ clues which may sound daunting but can end up being more fun than the regular weekly’s since there are more low hanging fruit. You can really get into a flow and it’s fun to do with a friend or a partner—especially at a bar over an Old Fashioned!”
Mel Robbins’s podcast episode with Jim Doty, “#1 Neurosurgeon and how to manifest anything you want”
Gemma B. says this is a must-listen about mindfulness, positivity and goal-setting (hello, new year new me!!). “His story is incredible and this has been one of the most impactful podcast episodes I’ve ever listened to. Leaves you feeling positive and uplifted but he also provides tools on how to visualize/manifest things you want (from little things to big dreams).”
Getting a pet cat
Andrew L. found his convictions shaken this year. “As a lifelong dog guy, I thought I would never appreciate having a cat. Living in NYC, Juliette and I had been wanting a pet but did want not to deal with having a dog in a cramped apartment / no backyard space. We adopted a pair of cats earlier this year and it was the best decision we made in 2025. They have wildly funny personalities, are extremely low maintenance, and are way more affectionate than I ever thought they would be. To all the non cat guys - highly recommend getting a cat!” I’m actually allergic so I won’t be doing this but I did care for several Neopets from 2001-2004.
The Poison Squad by Deborah Blum
Carl M. makes this book his pick of the year which details the history of how food companies have been adulterating food for decades and how the industry leverages its power to lobby government to protect these practices. A fun (?) fact I didn’t know that Carl shared: “in the 1900s, milk used to be watered down, had chalk added to whiten it, blended calf brains to replace the cream at the top, and formaldehyde to preserve it. And that was common practice.”
McDonald’s in Paris
Kevin T. is back with another culinary pick and says you simply must try M*******s in Paris. According to Kevin, “sometimes French cuisine can be so heavy and rich that a McCrispy, 6 nuggets, fries, and a Diet Coke is the most refreshing meal you’ve had in days. Also, the quality of the food is just better abroad than it is in the States. Besides the Vietnamese food, McDonald’s were some of the best meals that we had in France. We went three times.”
Unwanted by Christina Keim
Distinguished equestrian Sara O. says that this book is great for anyone with an interest animal welfare or nonprofit work. “This book discusses the unfortunate outcomes of horses that are “unwanted” - old, injured, neglected, etc. Unlike cats and dogs, horses walk a fine line between livestock and pets, so they are subject to different rules and regulations, not to mention very expensive and time consuming to care for. This combination of factors means any horse is one sale away from an uncertain future. Despite the depressing description, this book is actually really hopeful. The majority of the book is spent describing various nonprofits that are tackling this issue, how they operate, and how they work together. As an owner of sport horses, it made me think more deeply about planning for my horses’ retirements after their athletic careers are over. I also Chair the board of an equine nonprofit, so seeing how other groups operate was very helpful. You may not own horses or work on horse nonprofits, but I think you will find this read fascinating and encouraging nonetheless!”
Tesla Full Self Driving
Chance R. keeps the explanation simple: “If you are getting a car, why not get the car that can drive itself?”
Physical Therapy
Andrew T. says PT helped him a TON with his lingering back pain. As a current PT patient I’m hoping he’s right about the life changing impact of a little targeted stretching!!
Adding peel-and-stick wallpaper to your home
Emily C. says that peel-and-stick wallpaper TRANSFORMED her apartment making it feel “like an actual home vs. a four-white-walls box.”
Prime Target
Juan R. is putting us on to another TV pick this year and says Prime Target (ironically on Apple TV) is “a smart, fast-paced conspiracy thriller series that blends high-stakes espionage with clever twists, keeping you guessing every episode.”
Andor
Lincoln Z. says Andor is “a timely epic about the true costs of rebellion. Though it’s Star Wars, is passes for Sunday night HBO Prestige TV.” This pick gets a strong second from me - FREEDOM IS A PURE IDEA!!
Eye Drops!
Jenn M. discovered that it wasn’t glasses she needed, but enhanced ocular lubrication! “Turns out my eyes were just dry and causing my vision to strain. The doctor said that as we age our eyes become dry and that everyone should be using eye drops multiple times a day.” So yes I’m not crying, my eyes are just performing their daily prescribed water aerobics.
Metamucil
Phil E. has pick for all the high cholesterol bros (including yours truly 🫡). This reliable fiber supplement has a secret superpower of lowering cholesterol! Let this pick be the signal that the Year of Fiber is truly upon us!
Figs
Christine J. says a highlight of moving to California this year has been indulging in fresh figs. If your experience of the fig has been limited to the Newton form factor, here’s your sign to bite into a fresh one this year!
Propagating Plants
Chrissy B. encourages us to get in touch with our agricultural roots. “The best part of plant propagation is its simplicity, just a pair of scissors, a willing plant, and a bit of patience. Being able to take cuttings from my mom’s and grandma’s gardens, grow them in my own apartment, and even gift them to other loved ones makes the process even more meaningful. It’s a way of sharing living pieces of family history, and now you don’t need to spend another cent at the garden center!”
Electric salt and pepper grinders
Sean E. cements his status as the king of seasoning with this one. Electric grinders make seasoning while cooking much easier because “you only need one hand and you feel super cool using them.”
Booking a Solo Trip!
Katie O. says you should treat yourself to a solo trip for some primo R&R. “I took my first solo vaca this year to the Fairmont Resort in Mayakoba and I highly recommend everyone try traveling alone at least once. It was so enjoyable to just relax and do exactly what I wanted, when I wanted. It also pushed me to socialize outside of my comfort zone and gave me the opportunity to meet new people when going out to eat or exploring the resort. Spending 2-3 days to just relax and reflect is my new favorite form of self care!”
Jaya at the Setai Brunch
Zeev G. is letting you in on some inside baseball. “Here’s the secret, the brunch at Jaya is unreal. Unlimited beverages and a food selection that goes as far as the eye can see. Sure you have roughly a 2 hour time limit but trust me, you won’t need more. Book massages at the spa before and go at 11:30am for brunch. The cost $110 per person, drinks are included and no, that is not a typo. Enjoy!”
Handwritten notes, letters, and cards… just because!
Kenzie S. suggests that the best reason to get sentimental is actually no reason at all! “Although it’s easier to send a quick text, something about a handwritten message to friends, family, and loved ones feels much more meaningful to write and to receive. Just something simple to say have a great week, thinking of you, or thank you. Grab a stack of cards at the store at the beginning of the year and send them to your loved ones throughout the year to let them know you’re thinking of them. A nice gesture with a personal touch goes a long way these days.”
Tomato-tinis
Chelsea V. sums it up: “It’s time to evolve from our 2022 ways and cast the espresso martinis aside - it’s now the time for tomato-tinis. More fun than a salad, classier than a Bloody Mary. Don’t forget some basil garnish and a splash of balsamic on top. Maybe it’s the Italian in me, but the one at Avra nyc is the best drink I’ve ever had and you bet I will try to convince Peter F. to let me have this signature cocktail at our future wedding.”
Olive Oil Martinis
Joe B. continues the campaign of martini variations with this pick. Joe thinks that these are easy enough to make and far superior to a traditional martini!
Heated Rivalry
Parisa D. says you should watch Heated Rivalry on HBO. If you haven’t heard, it’s “an incredibly unique, sexy, intimate, tear-jerking, thought-provoking show!”
Investing in Sleep
Steven N. says “Seriously, half of your inconveniences in life are due to not getting enough sleep. Invest money, sure. But more so invest your bandwidth into purposefully getting better sleep. Future you will thank todays you for having made the investment.” As a new father, Steven’s advice on catching your ZZZ’s carries some extra weight :)
The Best Comic Books Ever Written: Akira and Watchmen
Technically this is two picks but I’ve made an exception since Peter F. wrote a college thesis extolling the virtues of these great works in the form:
I don’t read graphic novels, but the two I read this year after seeing the movies, Akira and Watchmen, happen to be the uncontested #1 and #2 greatest of all time (I have incredible taste). But don’t take my word for it: when my girlfriend asked the mouthbreathing proprietors of Midtown comics, “do you have anything better than Akira?” They replied, “NOTHING is better than Akira.”
Katsuhiro Otomo is both the director of the movie and author of the comic book “Akira”. He released both at the same time in 1988 making the film the first and last book of the comic series. The movie was the first widely released rated R cartoon and is widely regarded as marking the birth of anime as a genre. It consists of 2,212 shots and 160,000 single pictures, which is 2-3 times more than normal. It also used 327 different colors, which is a record for animated films. 50 of those colors were exclusively created for the film. With a record budget for the time of $10m they essentially had multiple warehouse of Japanese laborers drawing extra frames because it’s fucking sick. Beyond its technical achievements, the story is utterly brain melting. It is about life, death, and the meaning of the universe, told through a story observing the classic jeering trope of male friendship. It is the definition of a masterpiece. Reading the comic was the single greatest novel-film combination because of the rare case of the author and director being the same person and planning both to sync with each other. The comic book gives so much more detail behind small moments in the film and is truly beautiful.
6 months later I watched the Snyder cut of “Watchmen”, and the proceeded to watch it several more times in the same week (it is VERY important to watch the Snyder cut, and he theatrical release misses things making the plot confusing. I then immediately visited the mouthbreathers and was brought to the Watchmen dedicated section of Midtown comics. The story is of course unbelievable, it is a superhero movie that is also a complete deconstruction of the superhero concept. The historical references are incredible and the lore is as rich as Mansa Musa’s net worth even after adjusting for inflation. The graphic novel similar to Akira made the movie even more satisfying and the color illustrations gave me genuine pause as if I was in an art museum.
You don’t need to read any other comic books in your life, but you must at least see the Akira and Watchmen (remember, SNYDER CUT) and then read one of them. Bonus points if you watch Akira in Japanese with subtitles, imo the English rips you from the world of Neo-Tokyo. I once tried to get [REDACTED] to watch it at my apartment and he left abruptly 30 minutes after walking through the door. It wasn’t because he was bored, it was because his worldview was challenged such that he was afraid.
The General Concept of Everyone Chilling Out
Evan M. is feeling a little stressed out these days and says “whether it’s launching your AI-powered toaster oven startup, lowkey being cool with fascism so you can knock a percentage point off your income taxes, or telling me I should know who Sombr is…everyone, please just relax. This is all a bit much for me, so let’s all take a deep breath and think about how your choices affect my mood before you do anything else I don’t like. Additionally, I enjoyed the new Knives Out movie.”
Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Jupiter, FL
And last but not least, MY pick of the year is this incredible marine life sanctuary in South Florida. In late summer to early fall, they host turtle hatchling releases at night. After an informational session on the secret life of turtles (did you know the sex of hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the sand??), you get a pair of nightvision scopes and head down to the beach to watch baby turtles waddle out into the sea. It’s like watching a turtle Mission Impossible and it is absolutely incredible. A must-see experience IMO.
let us resolve to reclaim franklin the turtle as a non-partisan meme in 2026
Happy new year!!!
